Been at A&E for 16 hours and have just been told I’ll need to spend the night in the waiting room as there are no beds available.
I was meant to be admitted as an inpatient because I’ve got a pretty serious infection that needs IV antibiotics, but apparently that can’t happen until a bed frees up.
I know the staff are stretched and doing their best, but it’s honestly pretty demoralising and sad to see the NHS in this state.
Has anyone been through this before?
Any tips on how to make myself more comfortable overnight, what I should ask for, or how to look after myself while I’m stuck here?
Update: Thanks for all the tips. I managed to nick an extra chair and make a bit of a makeshift bed. My fiancée is pregnant, so I didn’t want her staying here for too long (germs and all), but she brought me some snacks, drinks, and nicotine pouches to get me through the cravings. Hopefully I’ll be discharged tomorrow as I’m feeling much better and the fever’s gone. I really appreciate you guys.